Disengaged or Disillusioned? A Generational Analysis of Online Talk on Learning Motivation

• In Event: Learning Across Contexts

Abstract

This study investigates how discourse about student motivation is shaped by generational differences through the analysis of a large online discussion. Using computer-mediated discourse analysis, the research categorizes Reddit forum comments related to educational motivation into stance types, thematically codes their rationales, and explores how social, economic, and structural factors contribute to amotivation. The results reveal diverse patterns, with Millennials expressing relatively greater faith in education’s value than other cohorts, while Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z tend toward more pessimistic or ambivalent outlooks. Implications highlight the need for interventions targeting both individual motivation and larger systemic challenges. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how societal narratives inform attitudes toward education in digital public spheres.

Author

• Hyojung Kim, Indiana University